The Philosophy Department offers a minor in Philosophy and the Sciences. The minor enables students who are interested in studying Philosophy and the Sciences but who choose not to be a major to receive recognition for their philosophy work on their transcripts. The minor in Philosophy and the Sciences allows students to take classes that cover such issues as: How does science produce reliable knowledge? What responsibilities do scientists have towards research subjects? How should animals be treated? Will advanced AI be persons with rights? What obligations do we have to future generations? What does responsible agricultural biotechnology look like?
Students must have some experience in the sciences. The minor requires 3-6 credits in any one particular science discipline. These credits may be counted toward both the Philosophy and the Sciences minor and requirements for a degree in that particular discipline.
Requirements for the Minor in Philosophy and the Sciences
Students must complete 18 credits from the following:
- The following course (3 credits):
PHL 380 Nature of Science 3
- At least two of the following courses (6 credits):
PHL 342 Environmental Ethics 3
PHL 344 Ethical Issues in Health Care 3
PHL 355 Philosophy of Technology (W) 3
PHL 442 Ethics and Animals 3
PHL 453 Ethical Issues in Global Public Health 3
PHL 462 Philosophy of Mind – 3
PHL 463 Introduction to Cognitive Science 3
PHL 480 Philosophy of Science 3
PHL 482 Topics in Ethics in Science 3
PHL 484 Philosophy of Biological Science 3
PHL 486 Biotechnology in Agriculture: Applications and Ethical Issues
- At least one PHL course at the 400-level excluding PHL 492 or PHL 499. The courses used for this requirement may also satisfy requirement 2.
- Science Disciplinary Requirement: Complete 3 to 6 credits from one particular science discipline in the agricultural, engineering, environmental, medical, natural, or social sciences from any of the following colleges: College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Engineering, Lyman Briggs College, College of Natural Science, College of Nursing, College of Social Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, or other colleges subject to approval of the department. ISS, ISB and ISP, MTH 101, MTH 102, MTH 103, STT 200, and STT 201 cannot be counted for this requirement. Courses in the College of Social Science or other colleges may be used for this requirement only if offered by a department that offers a Bachelor of Science degree. Courses in Lyman Briggs College that can be used for the major or minor in Science and Society cannot be counted for this requirement.
- Additional PHL courses to reach a total of 18 credits.